John Clayton Tobias Jr.

John Clayton Tobias Jr., died peacefully in his home on March 17, 2017. His soulmate and best friend, his wife, held his hand with the rest of the family surrounding him. John was born June 19, 1960, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to John "Bud" Clayton Tobias Sr. and Helen Agnes (Sullivan) Tobias.
John grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. His father died when John was 5 and he spent his school years helping his mom raise himself and his four siblings. He attended Sault Area High School and graduated in 1978. John entered the United States Marine Corps that same year. He spent six years in the Marines and upon his discharge continued to serve his country in the Michigan National Guard for the following eight years. He left the guard when he moved his family to Indiana and worked in Chicago for several steel forging plants as operations manager. In August of 2006 he married Michelle Shields at the Sault Ste. Marie Country Club and they observed that they both finally got it right. They made their home with their melded family in Pickford on the banks of the Munuscong River.
John was a senior member of the Manufacturing Engineers of America, a life/charter member of the Fraternal Order of Orioles, Kinross Nest 311, and an active member of the VFW Post 3676 where he participated often with their honor guard. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 323.
John liked to hunt deer and bagged several trophy bucks in several states. He loved to spend time with his family and even when ill helped maintain his beautiful yard on the river in pristine form. He and Michelle enjoyed dates at the Hessel Casino where the staff treated him like royalty and friends.
John is survived by his wife, Michelle; his sons, John Clayton III (Brandy) Tobias of Williamsville, New York, Matthew Petingalo of Pickford, and Shawn Tobias of Pickford. He is also survived by daughters, Elaine (Lacy Woods) Tobias of Raber, Amanda (Alan Lehre) MacDowell of Rudyard, Michigan, and Danielle (Adam) McClusky of Kincheloe, Michigan; grandchildren, Abby, Meia, Dominic, Gracie, Isaac, Audrey, Alissa, John IV, Seth, and Ayla. He is also survived by sisters, Genivieve "Prinny" McKechnie and Theresa Germain, both of Kincheloe; brothers, William (Sue) Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie and George "Roy" Tobias of Kincheloe; father-in-law, Donald Theut of Sault Ste. Marie; and brothers-in- law, Rick Shields of Afton, Michigan and Rob Shields of Sault Ste. Marie.
John was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Christopher Talentino; and brother-in-law, Jackie Germain.
Visitation for John will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2017, from 5-7 p.m., at R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 24, at 11 a.m. at R. Galer Funeral Home. Brother John Hascall will be officiant.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.